Friday, January 14, 2011

CORNFLAKES TERRINE - TERRINE AUX CORNFLAKES

If like me you have abused a little to much of goodies during the Christmas holidays, then you might want to calm down and start eating more healthily again as I'm pretty sure that you are not willing to change your whole wardrobe or stop wearing those cute skinny jeans that you cherish so much because they make you look so slim...

I am not ashamed to confess that for the past 3-4 weeks I have been devouring (like crazy and without thinking about the effects such mindless scarfing might have on my waistline) big quantities of sugar-loaded, butter-rich, calorie-laden cookies, breads, chocolates, cakes and desserts of all kind. I carelessly and happily wolfed down quantities of sweet treats, and had much pleasure indulging in such a naughty fashion!

When the God of Gluttony possesses you, there is no way you can escape. You just have to accept it's taking over your soul and bend to it's will. If you resist, it will whisper in your ears words that'll awaken your craving until you give up the fight and sacrifice yourself on the altar of epicurism. It is impossible to struggle against the urge to "sin".

As a result, my size 36-38 (size 6-8 US) trousers are slightly too tight now and I feel not really comfortable in my body anymore. But hey, what the heck? Eventhough I care about my weight, find it important to exercise regularly and control my diet I also have food desires like everybody else and sometimes have to fulfill them. The delight and beatitude conferred by this nosh marathon was so big that the few centimeters I had gained around my waist, hips and thighs were not that dramatic.

Anyway, once you get back to your normal routine you will lose the extra fat you had acquired and get fit again (as a matter of fact I've already lost most of it), so why be afraid of a short break in your regime. If it happens once in a while and it is not a habit, then it can't be bad. You just have to be in control of things and know when to stop. It's only once it becomes an addiction that it develops into something dangerous and negative. Then you have to raise the alarm and consider taking your problems seriously.

All year long (most of the time, festive holidays aside), I try to eat well and to follow my usual dietary pattern which consists of meals that are mostly vegetarian (80% of the time), poor in carbohydrates (sugar, cereals, starchy vegetables & starches), rich in protein (eggs, dairy produces, legumes, nut, seeds & animal products) and vegetables. This way of feeding is what fits me best. Since I've started preparing less carb-loaded dinners I have more energy, feel a lot less hungry all the time and more comfortable in my body. Not forgetting that it is also very budget-friendly as you don't need to buy tons of overpriced meat.

Although I love meat I cannot cook it more than twice a week otherwise it'll affect my well-being. So, in a way I am nearly a full-time vegetarian. I don't mind being a carnivore, but I also love veggies since there are so many ways you can cook them. At my place, eating vegetarian meals isn't synonymous of boring and bland, all the contrary!

One of my favorite meat-free recipes that I cook at home is a groovy terrine made with cornflakes. This original vegiloaf is very versatile, tasty and nourishing. It has a pleasant herby, corny and nutty flavor, and a soft as well as moist texture. This "Vegetarian Cornflake And Hazelnut Terrine" can be pan-fried, eaten either cold or hot, served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and accompanied as well as presented in many different manners.

A multi-faceted dish which is easily prepared, good for the health and which will not ruin you. Perfect!

Method:1. Preheat the oven to 220° C (420° F).2. In a big bowl, crush (coarsely) the cornflakes.3. In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs with the milk, garlic, spices, Tabasco, herbs, salt and pepper.4. Pour this mixture over the cornflakes, add the yeast, hazelnuts and onion and mix well.

5. Butter generously your rectangular cake pan and cover the bottom with sulfurised/baking paper.6. Scrape the mixture in the pan and smooth the top.7. Bake for aboput 30-40 minutes (test with a skewer).8. Remove the terrine from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before releasing it delicately from the pan.9. Serve.

Remarks:you can replace the hazelnuts by any other ground nuts of your choice, but don't forget to roast them a little.You can also use the herbs (fresh or dried) and spices of your choice.

Rosa, this is such a fun loaf-terrine for any time of day. think I need to try this pronto! The cornflakes are a great idea. Gotta admit I don't cheat over the holidays - but portion control & lots of healthy fat keeps me in check. xo

Rosa. This looks beautiful. And healthy. Tell me - where do you purchase nutritional yeast in Switzerland? I ask because I usually bring it from the U.S. for my parents (who have become almost vegetarian, such as you) and friends. FInally, apologies for not commenting on your gorgeous blog in way too long. I always read faithfully :)

I too have been indulging and am keen to get healthier again without giving up tasty things. This is such a great recipe that doesn't even make you feel you're missing out so thanks for the inspiration. Lovely to see the snow too.

Hey Rosa, I think a lot of people are in your position right now. The holidays have a way of bringing people up a size or two for sure. Just remember the more you eat that stuff, the more you want it more emotionally and chemically. If you keep that in mind, you most likely will get back to normal indulgence levels (smile). Ooh, and it looks like you already are! This terrine looks & sounds awesome:)

I must admit that when I read the title I was saddened, it is unlikely that my family would go for a cornflake loaf. However, I read through and was delighted by both the story and the photos. Of course, I must admit to being a bit jealous of your size (and that you can put your measurements up so proudly for all to see); however, that is what New Year's resolutions are for!

Greetings and Happy New Year Rosa!I am intrigued by your cornflake terrine and like the idea of serving it with fresh tomato sauce or a small green salad. Thanks for sharing your recipe and the words of encouragement to take of the 'extra' weight we lovers of eating seem to find around our waistlines after the holidays:-)

I do the same thing as you; I always over indulge around the holidays. Then I try to get right back to eating more healthy. I have never had a terrine, but it sounds wonderful. I really need some wholesome treats right now:)

I think we all go a little food crazy over holidays! But it never takes too long to lose the extra pounds. (It's mostly water anyway, right?)Your recipe is a fascinating way to use cornflakes..and it looks positively delicious!

Rosa, When I saw th etitle on twitter I thought to myself hmm...but you raise corn flakes to a sophisticated level. My little cornflakes muffins baking while my son was growing up were delciious but straight forward. This savory corn flakes recipe looks amazing!

Good for you for being such a healthy eater most of the time, Rosa! I want to work in nutrition later, but am not even that good in my habits yet. I also eat mostly vegetarian and have been wanting to try something loaf-shaped (like a meatloaf substitute). This looks just perfect and I'm bookmarking it right away.

Rosa, I am fascinated by this recipe! I may have to lie to my family about what is in it but I'll bet they'll gobble it down! Husband is trying to lose the extra pounds not gained during the holidays but during all of last year (due to all of my baking)! We are now dieting furiously yet will allow ourselves one evening a week to go out and enjoy any meal we like, with dessert! Love this post! You had me giggling from top to bottom!

This looks and sounds wonderful, love the photos too. The snow is so picturesque, I don't get much of it out here in Los Angeles but I did enjoy it in Tahoe over New Year's and my goodness was it beautiful. I agree about the holiday gorging, I'll definitely try this recipe on a quest to eat healthier!

I had a different idea of what a terrine is but thanks for introducing us to something new. I don't know much about terrines so I'll have to find out more about it but it does sound very interesting, kind of like a cake.